Srinagar, Nov 7 (KNS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul said the party is gaining ground across Jammu and Kashmir as it reaches out to voters village by village during the Budgam bypolls, calling it a real victory for the party.

Talking to media as per KNS correspondent, he said, “We are going from village to village, meeting every voter for the first time. That’s a big achievement for us, a real victory,” Koul told reporters. “Earlier, people used to shut their doors upon seeing the BJP. That fear has gone now. People are welcoming us,” he said.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Koul mocked his recent campaign event in Nagrota. “He could only speak for five minutes before the mic went off. Then he said, ‘Alright, you vote for him,’ and left,” Koul said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Those who can’t even handle their own microphone, how will they handle Jammu and Kashmir?”

Koul said he was also in Nagrota for his own programmes and saw large crowds in the market. “It was hard even to walk through the bazaar. The energy among the people is visible,” he added.

He reiterated that the BJP’s growing acceptance among voters marks a major shift in Jammu and Kashmir. “We didn’t contest the election in 2024 in Budgam, but this time we feel people will support us. In the next three days, we’ll continue our campaign across Budgam with full strength,” he said.

Koul also joined celebrations in Srinagar marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, saying the event was observed nationwide to honor the spirit of unity and patriotism. (KNS)